There are a wide range of battery types, many of which contain toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead. Others contain valuable materials like magnesium and zinc. Used rechargeable batteries are a hazardous waste and should not be placed in the garbage bin. This includes batteries in laptops, mobile phones, power tools and cameras.

Aldi supermarkets offer a free battery recycling service at all their Australian stores. Any brand of AA, AAA, C, D and 9V batteries (both rechargeable and non-rechargeable) are accepted - simply drop your used batteries into the dedicated bins in store. For other services and for options for different battery types (eg buttons and 12 volts) see below.

If your workplace or business has large quantities of batteries to recycle, visit BusinessRecycling.com.au to find suitable collection or pick up service options.

Council services for Batteries

Shoalhaven City Council has the following battery recycling programs available to residents.

Other Battery Recycling Programs

Some waste management companies run nationwide programs that recycle all types of batteries (except motor vehicle batteries). Flat-packed boxes are posted out to your location and full boxes sent back for recycling with an administration fee. To find out more visit Transpacific-Cleanaway or SITA.

Motor Vehicle Batteries are recycled through a national network of Battery Recycling Centres established by Century Yuasa, and at many garages, transfer stations and waste management centres. See if there is a drop off location or visit the Shoalhaven City Council motor vehicle battery recycling page for other listings.

How to recycle batteries at work

There are many recycling companies that offer national collection services for commercial quantities of all types of batteries. To find a commercial battery recycling service for your workplace or business, visit BusinessRecycling.com.au

About Batteries

Single-use batteries are usually alkaline batteries with Zinc, Manganese or Lithium chemistry. Rechargeable batteries are commonly Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride or Lithium Ion. Rechargeable batteries are found in the same shapes and voltage as single-use batteries, as well as specifically designed for laptops, mobile phones and electronic equipment.

How to reduce your battery waste

Try to minimise battery usage by connecting appliances to the mains power where possible. Buying rechargeable batteries is an important way to reduce battery waste. Each battery can be recharged up to 1000 times, saving you money and reducing pollution from discarded batteries.

There are many retailers who sell battery rechargers, which conveniently take less than 15 minutes to recharge.

More information

Batteries can be processed to recover plastics and metals, some of which are used to manufacture new batteries.